India’s space regulator INSPACe has approved Elon Musk-run Starlink’s entry into the Indian market, granting a five-year licence to offer satellite-based internet services in the country.According to an update on the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre’s (INSPACe) website, the authorisation allows Starlink Satellite Communications to provision capacity using its Starlink Gen1 constellation over Indian territory, PTI reported.The approval marks a major milestone for Starlink, which has been eyeing India since 2022 for the commercial launch of its high-speed, low-latency satellite internet services.With this nod, Starlink joins a select group of players preparing to enter India’s rapidly evolving satellite broadband segment.What is IN-SPACe?The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) is a single-window, autonomous agency under the Department of Space (DoS), established to boost private sector participation in India’s space sector. Created as part of the government’s space sector reforms, IN-SPACe promotes, authorises, and supervises a wide range of space activities carried out by non-governmental entities (NGEs), including private companies, startups, and academic institutions, according to Isro website.Its mandate includes overseeing the development of launch vehicles and satellites, facilitating space-based services, and enabling access to infrastructure controlled by ISRO and the DoS. IN-SPACe also supports the creation of new space-related facilities and infrastructure across the country.Acting as a bridge between ISRO and private players, IN-SPACe ensures that the growing needs of India’s space economy are met in a structured and inclusive manner. It works to align private sector capabilities with national space priorities and encourages innovation and self-reliance in space technologies.
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